The likes of Walcott, Wilshere, Özil and Ramsey all remain sidelined through injury.

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain has recovered from a minor calf problem that saw him withdrawn in the second half at Spurs.

The back four will remain unchanged, while Wenger will be weighing up whether to field the defensive minded Flamini, sacrificing either Podolski or Rosicky.

Prediction

Chelsea will have been buoyed by their progress in the Champions League but must bounce back from the defeat at Villa last weekend against a fellow title rival.

Victory for Arsenal would see the Gunners move to within one point of the Blues with a game in hand, while a home win would mean the gap becomes difficult to bridge for Wenger's men.

This may well be a cagey affair due to the importance of the game, particularly in the opening exchanges, with Mourinho insisting on a solid defence before anything else in such crucial matches. The backlines could win out to ensure a draw that will please both City and Liverpool more than the two teams involved.

very disappointing game for every arsenal supporter; looks like the early kick offs are really a worry for Arsenal.
Just imagine Giroud would have scored after his first and probably only chance in the second minute. We would have seen an completely different game. However in fairness chlelsea looked really dangerous with every counter-attack and the game was finished after the red card incident.

I get a feeling Arsenal will only change course if they are kicked out of 4th spot and I wish United and Everton really come right up and bite the Frenchman's skinny a$$! How do you explain this to an Arsenal fan?? Utterly disgusted!

There is a chance, a small one I'd admit, that Arsenal might not get Top 4. If Everton win their game in hand there's just 5 points separating the 2 sides so potentially a bit of squeaky bum time for the Arsenal and Wenger. Stranger things have happened

As an Arsenal fan I can just say well done to Jose Maurinho and real shame to Arsene Wenger! There's no point talking nonsense between these two managers, Jose Maurinho is actually the specialist in winning and Arsene Wenger the reverse. I understand you can lose with 10 men against Chelsea but to be a title contender you cannot concede 5 goals in 45 minutes, this is the second time in a space of weeks happening to Arsenal. Nobody would accept this and Arsene Wenger should go at the end of the season. Eto'o joined Chelsea for free, he scored a beauty against Arsenal. Why didn't Wenger buy Berbatov in January? Why doesn't he get the tactics right knowing Maurinho is well prepared tactically to expose the midfield. Liverpool did exactly same as Chelsea, started the game aggressively in the opening and eventually got 2 goals in 7 minutes. Well done Jose!

OldsSport one word... motivation! Mourinho is a master at motivating
+ chris foy slaughtered us with Villa...+Arsenal is in shit form + red card
and even without the red card this would be a big win..maybe not 6-0 but still

Chelsea 1-0 Arsenal. It'll be a scrappy game and I see Chelsea being very solid. The only way I could see Arsenal winning is if Chelsea suffer a CL hangover from their clash with Gala'. It's very difficult to see Chelsea losing 2 league games on the spin and at home also. But, hey, maybe it's Arsene's lucky day

Willian and Ramirez missing means they are not really easy to replace, in everyone's eyes this is a draw but Arsenal will go for this one as they have nothing more important in the League this season, should Arsenal get beaten they have missed out this season on the EPL trophy and have the FA Cup in their sight as the fall back option. Chelsea have a tremendous record against Arsenal but tomorrow is a special day for Wenger and I'm going against the odds and Arsenal with a bit of luck to break the woodo and beat Jose for first time at the bridge. 1:2 with maybe a penalty in the mix! COYG!

I think Chelsea will edge this one, but I wouldn't be surprised if it finishes 1-1. I expect the home side to have the lion share of chances. I think Arsenal are suspect though, they parked the bus like a championship side against an abysmal spurs side, don't think such tactics will work against Chelsea.Hopefully both teams go for it, as it is a potential title decider.

Arsenal won't get a draw, They are very weak in big games usually, and Chelsea are strong in them. Also Chelsea's home form is superb, Arsenal's away from to top teams is very unconvincing. And then there's the obvious point, Chelsea are a better side than Arsenal

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